Human Universals and Evolutionary Psychology

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Questions and Answers

What does the evolutionary process by which heritable traits are passed on entail?

Artificial selection

Natural selection (correct)

Genetic drift

Mutational changes

What is a common reaction of humans toward those with differing attitudes or attributes?

Acceptance

Warmth

Wariness (correct)

Empathy

At what age do children typically begin to display fear of strangers?

8 months (correct)

6 months

12 months

3 months

How do humans generally view social interactions?

As intensely social Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following behaviors is universally found in all human societies according to Donald Brown?

Verbs Signup and view all the answers

What moral dilemma do humans generally agree on regarding sacrificing one for many?

It's okay to let someone fall voluntarily if it saves others. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a universal aspect of human expression?

Communication of emotions Signup and view all the answers

What can be concluded about shared behaviors across cultures based on the content?

Humans are more alike than different. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary distinction between sex and gender as defined in psychology?

Sex is based on chromosomes and genitals, while gender encompasses cultural characteristics. Signup and view all the answers

In what way do gender differences on a playground particularly highlight the interaction of biology and culture?

They demonstrate the influence of both biological traits and cultural upbringing. Signup and view all the answers

Which behavior is more commonly associated with boys on an elementary school playground?

Running and jumping or engaging in physical contests. Signup and view all the answers

What societal belief about gender and sex has been traditionally challenged?

Only two sexes exist, and they dictate gender roles strictly. Signup and view all the answers

What term describes a child born with ambiguous genitalia?

Intersex. Signup and view all the answers

What is a common misconception about the term 'gender'?

It is often used as a synonym for biological sex. Signup and view all the answers

What has modern psychology challenged regarding the understanding of gender roles?

Gender roles are flexible and can change over time. Signup and view all the answers

Why are gender differences considered contentious in psychology?

They often conflict with traditional beliefs about sex and roles. Signup and view all the answers

What does evolutionary psychology share in common with Freudian psychology, according to critics?

Both can be adapted to explain various outcomes. Signup and view all the answers

What is proposed as a way to overcome hindsight bias in evolutionary psychology?

To imagine alternative outcomes. Signup and view all the answers

According to the content, why might monogamy be evolutionarily advantageous for males?

It ensures greater certainty of paternity. Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of adults, according to a Gallup survey, do not believe that evolution accounts for human existence?

50% Signup and view all the answers

What factor contributes most significantly to the persistence of skepticism towards evolution in the United States?

Religious beliefs and interpretations. Signup and view all the answers

Why do evolutionary scientists argue that mutation and natural selection explain the emergence of life?

They account for the complexity and variety of life. Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the main challenges to Darwin's idea of evolution as mentioned in the content?

The belief that humans were created in a short timeframe. Signup and view all the answers

What does the variability in species' genetic relatedness indicate?

Life forms have a shared ancestral lineage. Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by 'code-switching' in the context of youth?

Adapting behavior based on peer influence Signup and view all the answers

How do deaf children of hearing parents typically adapt to their environments?

They assimilate into deaf culture Signup and view all the answers

What role do parents play in cultural transmission to their children?

They indirectly shape the environment affecting children Signup and view all the answers

What is indicated about the cultural influences on children?

They are influenced mainly by older peers Signup and view all the answers

What is a common finding in cross-cultural psychology regarding universal norms?

Some traits like honesty and kindness are valued universally Signup and view all the answers

What factor influences how cultures change over time?

Innovations often stemming from the younger generation Signup and view all the answers

What implication is made about the adaptability of humans in cultural contexts?

Human adaptability creates significant cultural differences Signup and view all the answers

How do cultural variations impact the definition of friendship?

Cultural variations can shape norms but core values remain the same Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes being transgender from having atypical gender roles?

Transgender individuals identify with a different sex than their assigned sex at birth. Signup and view all the answers

According to evolutionary psychology, why do men have stronger sex drives than women?

Sex is a low-cost investment for men compared to women. Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant factor driving women's mating preferences according to evolutionary psychology?

Need for resourceful and committed partners. Signup and view all the answers

What behavior do researchers suggest may be a preparation for serious competition in males?

Aggressive play among boys. Signup and view all the answers

Which belief contradicts the evolutionary psychology perspective on mating preferences?

Women prefer casual relationships. Signup and view all the answers

What do males typically look for according to evolutionary psychologists when it comes to reproductive opportunities?

Sign of healthy partners. Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of male behavior is enhanced through competition, according to evolutionary theory?

Aggression and dominance. Signup and view all the answers

What misconception might one have regarding the surgical choices of transgender individuals?

All transgender people must undergo surgery to be valid. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is identified as universal behavior in all human societies?

Violence Signup and view all the answers

Humans show preference for sour tastes over sweet tastes.

False Signup and view all the answers

At what age do children typically begin displaying fear of strangers?

8 months Signup and view all the answers

Humans express moral disapproval even before they can ______.

walk Signup and view all the answers

Match the following social behaviors with their descriptions:

Conformity = Joining or adhering to group norms Reciprocity = Returning favors or assistance Fear of strangers = A natural reaction beginning in infancy Social status = Recognition of hierarchy within groups Signup and view all the answers

What is a common reaction when confronted by individuals with dissimilar attributes?

Wary or negative response Signup and view all the answers

All human societies are completely different from each other in terms of social behavior.

False Signup and view all the answers

What primary preference do humans show in terms of social living?

Living in families and communal groups Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary focus of evolutionary psychologists?

Natural selection favoring traits that promote gene perpetuation Signup and view all the answers

Evolutionary psychologists believe cultural behavior patterns are solely determined by genetics.

False Signup and view all the answers

What trait do evolutionary psychologists suggest humans are primarily endowed with?

the capacity to adapt Signup and view all the answers

According to evolutionary psychology, differences between men and women arise because of cultural _______.

socialization Signup and view all the answers

Match the statement to its implication regarding evolutionary behavior:

Cultural variation = Indicates adaptation over time Gender differences = Result from cultural socialization Monogamous pairing = Might be evolutionarily advantageous Evolutionary predictions = Generate new, testable hypotheses Signup and view all the answers

What does evolutionary psychology aim to achieve through its studies?

Empirical support for theories through data Signup and view all the answers

Cultural roles of individuals are static and do not change over time.

False Signup and view all the answers

What type of predictions do evolutionary psychologists make based on observations?

testable predictions Signup and view all the answers

What is the cultural norm regarding greetings among men in Armonk as stated?

Men do not kiss men good night Signup and view all the answers

All cultures have the same social behavior norms.

False Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of Japan's population is ethnically Japanese?

98.5% Signup and view all the answers

Migration and refugee evacuations are mixing cultures more than ever, making our world increasingly a _ .

global village Signup and view all the answers

Match the cultural practices with their related countries:

Japan = Taking off shoes indoors United States = Informal greetings Middle Eastern countries = Kissing on the cheek Germany = Formal address in academics Signup and view all the answers

What is often a struggle for foreigners visiting Japan?

Mastering etiquette rules Signup and view all the answers

Cultural differences are diminishing in densely populated areas like New York City.

False Signup and view all the answers

What role do electronic networks play in global culture?

They connect people globally and facilitate cultural exchange. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a characteristic of collectivistic cultures regarding norms?

Promote strong norms against personal choices Signup and view all the answers

In collectivistic cultures, being a vegetarian is generally viewed positively as a personal choice.

False Signup and view all the answers

What historical threats have collectivistic cultures experienced that may have influenced the development of strong norms?

Wars and famines Signup and view all the answers

In collectivistic societies, human suffering is often seen as a result of violating social _____ .

norms Signup and view all the answers

Match the following cultural responses to behavior to their respective cultures:

Korean culture = Avoidance of individuals with nonnormative choices American culture = Acceptance of personal dietary preferences Collectivistic cultures = Stigmatization of those seen as different Individualistic cultures = Focus on personal freedom Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following behaviors is typically discouraged in collectivistic cultures?

Expressing personal opinions Signup and view all the answers

Collectivistic cultures may have an easier time adapting to rules during infectious disease outbreaks due to their strong emphasis on norms.

True Signup and view all the answers

What might cause individuals in collectivistic cultures to avoid interaction with vegetarians?

Vegetarianism is seen as nonnormative and signals standing out from the group. Signup and view all the answers

What term describes the phenomenon where youth adapt their behavior or speech based on their environment?

Code-switching Signup and view all the answers

Parents have a direct and strong influence on their children's cultural development.

False Signup and view all the answers

What do younger individuals often learn from slightly older peers?

Cues or behavior patterns Signup and view all the answers

Cultural traditions endure, yet cultures __________.

change Signup and view all the answers

Match the following cultural norms with their respective countries:

Britain = Public criticism is generally accepted as a form of honesty Italy = Emphasis on personal relationships and family connections Hong Kong = Importance of group harmony over individual opinion Japan = Avoid public embarrassment of friends. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following traits is universally valued across various cultures?

Honesty Signup and view all the answers

Cultural variations in norms do not exist, as all cultures define relationships in the same way.

False Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of cultural influence is described as 'loose enough' in the text?

The links of influence from parental groups to child groups Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Human Universals

Humans share many universal behaviors across cultures, including sleeping, waking, feeling hunger and thirst, developing language, and preferring sweet tastes to sour.
Humans also share a preference for living in groups, conforming to social norms, recognizing social status, returning favors, punishing offenses, and grieving loved ones.
Anthropologist Donald Brown identified several hundred universal behavioral and language patterns, including the existence of verbs, violence, visiting, and vowels in all human societies.
There is a sense of morality that is common across cultures and eras, as evidenced by the disapproving of what's wrong or naughty in infants.
Humans across the world share similar moral dilemmas, such as the trolley problem, where the ethical decision to save more lives by sacrificing one is consistent across different cultures.

Evolutionary Psychology and Gender

Evolutionary psychologists posit that men have stronger sex drives because sex is a cheap investment for men but a big commitment for women.
This is due to the different adaptive challenges faced by men and women in terms of sex and reproduction.
Women invest their reproductive opportunities more carefully by looking for signs of resources and commitment in potential mates, while men compete for chances to reproduce by seeking healthy and fertile partners.
Men's greater aggression might be linked to their evolutionary advantage in gaining access to females, contributing to the development of male dominance traits.
There are criticisms of evolutionary psychology, which argue that the theory can be easily retrofitted to explain any observed behavior in retrospect.

Biology, Culture, and Gender

Gender refers to the characteristics associated with males and females, which can be rooted in biology, culture, or both.
Sex refers to the biological categories of male and female, defined by chromosomes, genitals, and secondary sex characteristics.
Gender roles and sex are not always rigid, and there is a growing understanding of transgender identities and the complexities of gender.
Evolutionary psychology suggests that differences in mating preferences, such as men's desire for more sexual partners, can be attributed to the differing investments in reproduction by men and women.
While evolutionary explanations for gender differences play a role, it is also crucial to consider the influence of culture and upbringing in shaping gender behaviors.

Human Nature

Humans share common behaviors and language patterns, regardless of culture.
Examples of universal behaviors include: sleeping, waking, feeling hunger and thirst, developing language, preferring sweet tastes over sour, fearing snakes more than sparrows.
Humans are intensely social and understand each other’s facial expressions (frown, smile).

Evolutionary Psychology

Focuses on how natural selection favors traits that promote the continuation of genes.
Acknowledges human capacity for learning and adaptation, but highlights shared human nature.
Evolutionary perspective theorizes how evolution may have led to gender differences in behaviors like aggression and sexual initiative.
The field uses empirical evidence from animal behavior, cross-cultural observations, and hormonal and genetic studies to test evolutionary predictions.

Every culture has its own norms - rules for accepted and expected behavior.
Collectivistic cultures, emphasizing group harmony, have stronger norms compared to individualistic cultures.
Collectivistic cultures are more likely to stigmatize people seen as different (gays, lesbians, immigrants, heavy drinkers, drug addicts).
Cultural norms can vary greatly, leading to intercultural misunderstandings.
Cultural differences are often greater than similarities.
People everywhere have some common norms for friendship, like respecting privacy and making eye contact.
The most valued traits for friendships across cultures are honesty, fairness, kindness, good judgment, and curiosity.

Cultural Change

Cultural change is usually driven by younger people.
Parents influence their children indirectly through the social environment they create.
We are more alike than different, even though we are culturally diverse.
Although cultures vary greatly, human nature is ultimately similar, as evidenced by many shared behaviors.

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Description

Explore the fascinating principles of human universals and the perspectives of evolutionary psychology concerning gender. This quiz examines the shared behaviors, social norms, and moral dilemmas across cultures, as well as findings from anthropologist Donald Brown. Test your knowledge on how these factors shape human experience.